Journey South

It seems that lately, the only opportunity I have for blogging is while travelling. I am sitting in the airport in Ottawa, waiting for the flight that will complete an arduous journey that began at 6:30 yesterday morning when I left Resolute. I flew from Resolute to Nanasivik (Arcitc Bay), then to Iglooik, Iqaluit, Ottawa. Overnight in Ottawa and on to Halifax tonight and then a 4 hour drive to my other island home. I must say that as trying as arctic travel is, its one redeeming quality is other arctic travellers. There is a strong sense of camaraderie and sympathy. We are all in the same boat (or plane, in this case). At the mercy of First Air and its antiquated aircraft, unpredictable weather and the opportunity for ANYTHING to go wrong, I find that arctic travellers have a sense of humour and jump quickly to help those in need. For instance, the story of how a planeload of us teachers spent 8 hours alone in an unheated airport in Igloolik in February has spread around. One total stranger told me that he had "heard about that". That story deserves its own posting. Maybe this summer when I have time (I have pictures). The other thing that arctic travellers have in common is the unbelievable amount of "stuff" that we lug around with us and for many of us, the pets we take up and down. A very common piece of arctic luggage is a beat-up plastic tote badly wrapped in duct tape. I now own a number of them.
I am usually a little confused and overcome when I first get back down south. Everything in Ottawa seems too hot and busy. I miss the arctic air and can't wait to get back down to the Bay of Fundy.
The school year ended on the 15th for our students, the teachers finished on the 16th, and I had two more days to wrap things up. It has been another amazing year for me. Changing communities and jobs mid-year was a huge challenge, but I feel so satisfied with everything. I enjoy the school in Resolute and the Principal's position feels absolutely right for me. I started a 2nd Masters degree this winter (Educational Leadership) and am looking forward to continuing with that in the fall. I also look forward to seeing Resolute when I return in August (without ice and snow). There is a river very near town and there will be lots of belugas, narwhals and polar bears around at that time. School is also looking like fun for next year. Some good new teachers and a huge kindergarten class (8 kids). The locals call it "Resolute's baby boom." When I left it was around 1 degree C and the kids were riding their bikes around town in shorts and t-shirts. I was still wearing the parka. They were all asking "when will school start again, Deborah?" "Before you know it" I told them.
Some pictures from around town and school.